Chapter 492 - 353: The Second Level Trial

Chapter 492: Chapter 353: The Second Level Trial

After nearly half a day, Yu Changsheng, who had been meditating to recover, slowly opened his eyes. He stood, and after assessing his body’s Status, he gave a long, satisfying stretch.

"How is your recovery? There’s no need to rush. The trial has no time limit, so all that matters is that you can persevere."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit roused itself from meditation, meeting Yu Changsheng’s gaze and speaking calmly.

"I’ve more or less recovered. No need to delay any longer."

Yu Changsheng smiled faintly, swung his arms, and after loosening his limbs, said with a chuckle.

Half a day was enough for his vigor to return to its Peak. For one, Yu Changsheng’s physical recovery was already exceptional. The Ten Thousand Spirits Technique also possessed some healing properties, and with the aid of Elixirs, this recovery speed was considered normal for severe but non-fatal injuries.

For another, it seemed that within these ruins, the healing of any injury was somehow amplified.

"Alright. If you’re ready, the second level of the trial begins now."

Hearing this, the Sui Xian Sword Spirit glanced at Yu Changsheng and didn’t insist. After an eyebrow twitch, it began its explanation in a slow, deliberate manner:

"This second trial is different from the first. It will test your Beast Taming skills. Once the trial begins, ninety-nine Spirit Beasts will appear. These are not true Spirit Beasts, but remnant souls—and they are not to be underestimated."

"The collective power they can unleash is enough that even a Purple Mansion expert would struggle to escape unscathed. However, they won’t possess such might from the very beginning. Instead, they will grow more violent as time passes."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit paused for a moment, gathering its thoughts before continuing:

"Because these are merely remnant souls, their Spiritual Wisdom is also Incomplete. All that remains are their brutal instincts. Initially, environmental suppression will keep them from going completely berserk. However, that suppression will gradually be lifted. When that happens, given your current Cultivation, you will face certain death before the wrath of these ninety-nine Spirit Beasts."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit hesitated, then let out a long sigh. It met Yu Changsheng’s eyes and said:

"What you must do is use your Beast Taming skills to pacify and control as many of them as possible before they fall into a completely berserk, uncontrollable state. The subsequent parts of the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique have also been divided into ninety-nine fragments. They exist within the True Spirit of each of these remnant souls, and you must make contact with them yourself."

"By the same token, as long as you successfully control forty-nine of the Spirit Beasts—about half—you will pass this level of the trial."

After speaking, a curious, knowing smile played on the Sui Xian Sword Spirit’s lips, and the corner of its mouth quirked up with interest.

"However, I must tell you, this is your one and only chance to comprehend the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique. If you wish to obtain the complete Cultivation Technique, simply passing this trial won’t be enough.

You must push yourself to the absolute limit, completely controlling all ninety-nine Spirit Beasts and making further contact with them to complete your Ten Thousand Spirits Technique."

"Only then will your Ten Thousand Spirits Technique truly ascend and become a Saint-level Technique."

Yu Changsheng listened quietly, a general understanding of the trial forming in his mind. His brow furrowed in deep thought.

’At its core, this trial is a test of Beast Taming, just as the last one was a test of Sword Dao. It makes sense. As a supreme prodigy who dual-cultivated both paths, Cao Jinxian’s inheritance would naturally reflect that.’

Yu Changsheng mused to himself, but then let out a sudden sigh of relief. ’Compared to Sword Dao, I’m much more comfortable with Beast Taming. This is my home turf, after all.’

’However, having to control these Beast Souls while simultaneously delving into their True Spirits to retrieve the missing parts of the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique... that makes things much more difficult.’

Mulling this over, Yu Changsheng frowned slightly and rubbed the space between his eyebrows, a headache forming.

’None of this is simple... This trial...’

But he had come this far; there was no sense in giving up now. After a moment, Yu Changsheng nodded and spoke respectfully to the Sui Xian Sword Spirit in the sky above:

"Senior, I am ready. We can begin the second trial."

"Mm," the Sui Xian Sword Spirit responded gravely. It coughed, clasped its hands behind its back, and added a kind reminder, "Before we begin, let me give you a piece of advice. If you find you can’t hold on, don’t force yourself. This is just a trial, after all. It’s not worth risking your life."

"If you’re in real danger, just give me a shout."

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit hesitated, a flicker of conflict on its face. It finally let out a long breath and added, somewhat awkwardly:

"If you don’t succeed the first time, you can try again. I can give you multiple attempts for this level of the trial. Understand?"

In truth, the Sui Xian Sword Spirit was already intentionally bending the rules for him by offering this.

If it had been any other Trial Taker, the Sui Xian Sword Spirit would have stuck strictly to the rules. It would never have shown such favor. Pass, and you live; fail, and you perish. The trial was just that cruel.

Yu Changsheng was stunned for a moment. When he came to his senses, he was deeply touched. He once again bowed low, cupping his fists toward the Sui Xian Sword Spirit in gratitude.

"Alright. I am eternally grateful. Thank you for your consideration, Senior..."

This was naturally excellent news for Yu Changsheng, and he breathed a silent sigh of relief.

"By the way, if I can’t pass on the first try and have to do it again, will that affect my ability to comprehend the Ten Thousand Spirits Technique?"

The Sui Xian Sword Spirit waved its hand and answered with complete honesty: